Riga – Latvia is spearheading a diplomatic effort to exclude Russia from participating in the 61st Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions. A joint statement, issued by Latvia’s Ministry of Culture and signed by the culture and foreign ministers of 22 European nations, calls on organizers to reconsider Russia’s inclusion in this year’s event. The move underscores growing international pressure to isolate Russia culturally following its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The appeal, addressed to Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale di Venezia, the Biennale’s Board of Directors, and Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, argues that the Biennale, historically a champion of artistic freedom, carries a moral responsibility in the face of aggression. The signatories contend that allowing Russia to participate would be incompatible with these principles, particularly given documented evidence of cultural destruction in Ukraine.
The joint statement explicitly references the destruction and damage inflicted upon Ukrainian museums, historic sites, monuments, and other cultural institutions by Russian military actions. It likewise notes that Russia remains subject to a range of European and international sanctions, including those impacting the cultural sphere, imposed in response to violations of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. This context, the ministers argue, makes Russia’s presence at the Biennale untenable.
The initiative gained rapid support, with ministers from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine adding their signatures within days of Latvia’s initial call. The European Commission has also weighed in, warning that EU grant funding for the Biennale could be suspended if Russia is permitted to participate, according to a statement released on March 10, 2026. “The European Commission has been clear in its stance concerning Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” the Commission stated. “Culture promotes and safeguards democratic values, fosters open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression, and should never be used as a platform for propaganda.”
The call for exclusion follows a pattern of international responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In 2022 and 2024, Russia did not participate in the Biennale, a move seen by many as a self-imposed isolation or a response to growing condemnation. The decision to list Russia as a participating country for the 61st Biennale, scheduled to open in April 2026, prompted the current wave of protests.
Russia’s Commissioner and Concerns Over Connections
The Russian national pavilion is slated to be titled “The Tree is Rooted in the Sky,” and Anastasia Karneeva has been appointed as commissioner. Karneeva was initially appointed to the role in 2021 for an eight-year term. However, scrutiny has focused on her family ties. According to reporting, Karneeva is the daughter of Nikolai Volobuyev, a retired general and current deputy director of Rostec, one of Russia’s largest defense corporations. Volobuyev previously held positions within Russia’s Federal Customs Service and Rosoboronexport, and served in the KGB of the USSR and the FSB of Russia from 1975 to 2004.
Further complicating the matter, Karneeva co-founded the art consulting firm Smart Art in 2014 with Ekaterina Lavrova, the daughter of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. These connections have fueled concerns that Russia’s participation in the Biennale could serve as a form of soft power projection and potentially circumvent the intent of international sanctions.
Italy’s Position and Biennale Foundation’s Autonomy
Italy’s Ministry of Culture has stated that the decision regarding Russia’s participation rests solely with the Biennale Foundation, despite the government’s own reservations. The ministry affirmed it does not support Russia’s inclusion, but acknowledged its limited authority in the matter. This highlights the Biennale Foundation’s operational independence, even as it receives public funding.
PinchukArtCentre, a Ukrainian international center for contemporary art, has also publicly urged the Biennale organizers to deny Russia participation, emphasizing the need to uphold moral principles in the face of ongoing aggression.
What to Watch Next
The Biennale Foundation is now under increasing pressure to respond to the coordinated diplomatic effort. The potential suspension of EU funding adds another layer of complexity to the decision. The coming weeks will likely see further debate and lobbying as the Biennale approaches its opening date. The outcome will serve as a significant test of the international community’s commitment to holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine and the role of cultural institutions in navigating geopolitical tensions.
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